KITTIE will release its long- awaited new studio album, "Fire", on Friday, June 21 via Sumerian Records. Heralding the exciting news is the release of brand new single "Vultures" and its accompanying music video featuring live footage of the group's mainstage performance at this year's Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on April 27.
KITTIE vocalist/guitarist Morgan Lander states: "10 years ago, if someone would have told us that we would be releasing new KITTIE music in 2024, we'd have dismissed them right away. It feels like something deeper than fate that's brought us together again, allowing us to create something fearless and magical for you. We've worked incredibly hard over the past year, and surrounded ourselves with the ultimate dream team to make this album a reality. We cannot wait for you to lose yourselves in the passion and strength of 'Fire'.
"'Vultures' is a bold musical declaration, signaling our new beginnings as a band. 'Vultures' is a warning to those with hidden agendas, who thrive on deception. It's a proclamation of breaking free of the chains of exploitation and a reckoning for those who pick at the bones of those who suffer in silence."
"Fire" is available to pre-order now with a variety of merch bundles including exclusive vinyl colorways, t-shirts, a cassette tape, a sticker pack, guitar pick pack, laminate and two metal lunch box designs.
"Fire" track listing
01. Fire
02. I Still Wear This Crown
03. Falter
04. Vultures
05. We Are Shadows
06. Wound
07. One Foot In The Grave
08. Are You Entertained
09. Grime
10. Eyes Wide Open
Last month, KITTIE announced an exclusive run of North American headline dates. The long-awaited shows will see the band perform in five cities across the U.S. and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their recently released singles "We Are Shadows" and "Eyes Wide Open" as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.
Last November, it was revealed that KITTIE was working on a new studio LP with producer Nick Raskulinecz at Nashville's Sienna Studios.
Raskulinecz, who moved to Nashville from Los Angeles around 16 years ago, had previously worked with such acts as RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, RISE AGAINST, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, SKID ROW and the DEFTONES.
Regarding the overwhelmingly positive response to KITTIE's live shows and music since the band's return in 2022, Lander told Metal Hammer: "I just think that the world is ready for us now. A lot of the things that we were doing 25 years ago were still... I don't want to say controversial, but they seemed so new. It definitely has a lot to do with a shift in thinking and acceptance and representation in the years since the very first time that KITTIE came out. Sometimes it just takes the world a bit of time to catch up and appreciate those things."
In March, Morgan told The MetalSucks Podcast about KITTIE's plans for the rest of 2024: "To be honest with you, this all just feels brand new again. I know that we're veterans of the music industry and whatnot, but we've sort of stepped into a new age and a new era of music releasing and record labels and things like that. So I think the goal is just to just enjoy — for us, for sure — enjoy the process and just — I don't know — put some smiles on people's faces, really. All of the things that come along with releasing new music and an album, like new merch and shows, headlining stuff, album-release stuff, all of that is definitely coming down the pike. But I think ultimately the goal for us is just to sort of enjoy the ride. All of those tangible things will come. It all feels so new and exciting again. So, yeah, we're just here to enjoy the ride."
Asked how she views all the platforms, with social media and music streaming services, now compared to how it was when KITTIE last released new music nearly a decade and a half ago, Morgan said: "Well, I feel like in 2011 [when 'I've Failed You' came out] and 2009 [when 'In The Black' was released], those last two albums, I actually really don't know that Spotify and music and streaming platforms were catching on. And so it was this weird sort of interim period where they may have existed but nobody cared and people were definitely still buying tangible CDs. And, yeah, so now we're in this new era of streaming, and I really feel like music is more accessible than ever and I think more people are listening than ever before, because things are just so easy to find; everything that you need is on a streaming platform. And so I definitely think that it does have its benefits. I mean, as far as being an artist and on the serving-the-artist side of things, it doesn't pay great, but I feel like the audience is greater than ever before. Way back, when we were active, I guess you could say the first time, the industry was definitely a different beast. And this time around, I feel like a lot of people, since we put out our last albums, have discovered the band, a lot of young people as well. And so because streaming [is so widely available], they've had this ability to discover and listen to our old catalog and continue to keep those songs popular and alive. And ultimately, it's that sort of simmering growth that's allowed us to have this opportunity that we have today. So, I don't think that it's a bad thing. I'm excited for the weirdness of the future."
In a recent interview with Knotfest's "She's With The Band" podcast, KITTIE drummer Mercedes Lander and Morgan spoke about the progress of the songwriting sessions for the long-awaited follow-up to the Canadian metallers' 2011 album "I've Failed You". Mercedes said about the musical direction of the new KITTIE material: "I'm gonna say that we are just really stoked to write 1,200 percent bangers. I think that's just where we're at now. We want people to feel good. We want people to feel what we're feeling. I feel like bangers, that's what we're good at."
Asked by host Tori Kravitz about the possibility of KITTIE combining some of the old-school sound from the band's early days and mixing it up with a fresh approach, Morgan said: "I think marrying some of the ideas, 'cause I don't think we're ever going to put our JNCOs [jeans] on again. But, yeah, the idea of marrying some of those ideas — like who we are now with the ideas of who maybe we used to be and kind of being able to meet somewhere in the middle, but in a way that will just create something brand new again. I'm excited for it to be unleashed upon the world."
KITTIE played its first concert in five years in September 2022 at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
Joining Morgan and Mercedes in KITTIE's current lineup guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana "Ivy" Vujic.
Prior to Blue Ridge, KITTIE had not performed since its reunion show at London Music Hall in the band's native London, Ontario in 2017, celebrating the group's documentary "Kittie: Origins/Evolutions".
Vujic joined KITTIE in 2008 and appeared on the band's fifth studio CD, 2009's "In The Black". She also wrote and recorded bass for KITTIE's sixth album, 2011's "I've Failed You".
In January 2022, the original lineup of KITTIE — Morgan, Mercedes, Fallon Bowman (guitar) and Tanya Candler (bass) — reunited for an online chat to celebrate the 22nd anniversary of its gold-certified 2000 debut album, "Spit".
Candler left KITTIE after the release of "Spit" in order to finish high school and was replaced by Talena Atfield.
Bowman exited KITTIE in 2001 and started her own industrial/electronic project, AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT.
After KITTIE completed the touring cycle for "I've Failed You" album, the band entered a long period of inactivity during which Morgan focused on a marketing job for a chain of fitness clubs while Mercedes worked in real estate and more recently at a software company. The group also began work on a career-spanning documentary, "Origins/Evolutions", which finally saw the light of day in 2018 via Lightyear Entertainment in North America.
"I've Failed You" sold 3,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 178 on The Billboard 200 chart.
KITTIE will play multiple other North American festivals this year, including Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple and Havoc Fest.
MÖTLEY CRÜE played a "secret" club show Monday night (May 6) at New York's Bowery Ballroom. For the concert, the iconic Los Angeles rockers were billed as "1981". The year 1981 is a significant one in MÖTLEY CRÜE's history, as it represents the year they formed and released their debut single, "Live Wire", along with their first album, "Too Fast For Love".
MÖTLEY CRÜE's setlist for the show at the 600-capacity venue was as follows, according to Setlist.fm:
01. Primal Scream
02. Too Fast For Love
03. Looks That Kill
04. Wild Side
05. Shout At The Devil
06. Live Wire
07. On With The Show
08. Dogs Of War
09. Rock And Roll, Part 2 / Smokin' In The Boys Room / Helter Skelter / Anarchy In The U.K. / Blitzkrieg Bop / (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party!)
10. Dr. Feelgood
11. Girls, Girls, Girls
12. Kickstart My Heart
CRÜE's performance at the Bowery Ballroom took place two days after the band played two back-to-back shows in Atlantic City, New Jersey on May 3-4, marking CRÜE's first live appearances of 2024.
This isn't the first time CRÜE has staged a "secret" club show. Last June, MÖTLEY CRÜE performed for 450 lucky fans at the Underworld in London, England. The streets of Camden came alive that night with the buzz that MÖTLEY CRÜE might be the band on the flyer listed as DÖGS OF WAR, with lines around the block for the most exclusive gig in town.
Late last month, MÖTLEY CRÜE released a new single, "Dogs Of War". The track was made available via the band's new deal with Nashville's Big Machine Records.
MÖTLEY CRÜE's new deal with Big Machine Records sees the band working together again after making the 2014 project "Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute To Mötley Crüe", which featured CRÜE tracks covered by country stars RASCAL FLATTS, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, Darius Rucker and more. Big Machine also partnered with John 5 for the release of his 2021 album "Sinner".
MÖTLEY CRÜE's last studio album was 2008's "Saints Of Los Angeles", which was followed by a 2009 "Greatest Hits" compilation.
In 2018, MÖTLEY CRÜE recorded four new songs for "The Dirt" movie, including the single "The Dirt (Est. 1981) (Feat. Machine Gun Kelly)", "Ride With The Devil", "Crash And Burn" and the band's own spin on Madonna's "Like A Virgin".
John 5 joined MÖTLEY CRÜE in the fall of 2022 as the replacement for the band's co-founding guitarist Mick Mars. Mick announced his retirement from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE in October 2022 as a result of worsening health issues.
Mars suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS),a chronic and inflammatory form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine and pelvis. After years of performing through the pain, he informed the other members of MÖTLEY CRÜE in the summer of 2022 that he could no longer tour with them but would still be open to recording new music or performing at residencies that did not require much travel.
When Mars announced his retirement from touring with MÖTLEY CRÜE, he maintained that he would remain a member of the band, with John 5 taking his place on the road. However, in early April 2023 the now-72-year-old musician filed a lawsuit against CRÜE in Los Angeles County's Superior Court claiming that, after his announcement, the rest of CRÜE tried to remove him as a significant stakeholder in the group's corporation and business holdings via a shareholders' meeting.
Kvaen will release their third album, and first for Metal Blade Records, The Formless Fires, on June 21.
There are many great extreme metal bands in Sweden, but only one from Kalix. This remote beauty spot near the Finnish border, on the northernmost shores of the Baltic, is home to Jacob Björnfot, creative mastermind behind melodic black/death metal project, Kvaen.
A sumptuous but bitingly intense exploration of beauty and violence, Kvaen's The Formless Fires is a melodic black metal masterwork radiating an inspirational sense of place. Even more than 2020's folky, speed metal-infused debut The Funeral Pyre or 2022's compelling, expansive follow-up, The Great Below, the vast pine woods and icy lakes are powerfully evoked in the elemental gloom riffs, chilly melodies, and windswept solos running through these eight mighty songs.
Assisting in this record's immersive sweep are Björnfot's fascinating lyrics. Like many Swedish songwriters, his use of English reveals a love and care for the language that few native speakers even bother to rival. If this album seems less intimate and more universal than the raw candor of its predecessor, it's only because Björnfot's knack for allegory has improved. Illuminating some of the lyrical themes, Björnfot asserts "I love mythology. ‘Basilisk' is, for example, the king of serpents but is rarely mentioned by the mainstream. 'The Perpetual Darkness' is about being born different from those who are 'normal.' It is also about being a lone wolf and banished from society. That song has become a personal favorite of mine." Additionally, “De Dödas Sång (Song Of The Dead)” tackles the disturbing theme of Ättestupa, the ancient Norse suicide ritual whereby elderly villagers jump to their deaths from sheer precipices.
Comments Björnfot on the record's eponymous opening track and first single, "'The Formless Fires' was actually written for another project of mine featuring members from Dissection, Lord Belial, Sacramentum, and Naglfar but I convinced myself to keep it for the next Kvaen album instead and I'm glad I did - this is one of my top favorites off the new album."
All instrumentation on The Formless Fires was composed and performed by Björnfot with the exception of drums which were resoundingly hammered by ex-Amon Amarth basher Frederik Andersson. The record features the guest solos of Sebastian Ramstedt (Necrophobic) on "Traverse The Nether" and Chaq Mol (Dark Funeral) on "The Wings Of Death."
The Formless Fires will be available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
180g Black
Dark Midnight Blue Marbled
Copper Orange Marbled - Ltd. 400
Dark Violet Marbled - Sound Pollution Exclusive Ltd. 300
Fiery Orange Red Splatter - Ltd. 300
Blue Black & White Splatter - Ltd. 200
“The Formless Fires”
“Traverse The Nether”
“Tornets Sång”
“The Ancient Gods”
“Basilisk”
“De Dödas Sång”
“The Perpetual Darkness”
“The Wings Of Death”
“The Formless Fires” video:
Kvaen:
Jacob Björnfot - everything
Kvaen Live Lineup:
Jacob Björnfot - vocals/guitars
Kristian Gustavsson - guitars
Rasmus Rova - guitars
Per Lindström - bass
Fredrik Andersson - drums
Lithuanian-born Swedish artist, Michael Palace, is announcing today another chapter in the Palace saga, his new record Reckless Heart, out on July 12th via Frontiers Music Srl. The new Palace’s brainchild is anticipated by the first single and video, "The Widow’s Web". Watch the video below, and pre-order the album here.
This explosive musical journey resurrects the essence of the 1980s, each track pulsating with the potential to score a classic action blockbuster or drive the adrenaline of a training montage.
“It was time to go back to the roots, as they say, and finally make that true '80s AOR album that I’ve dreamt of creating since I started Palace. It's the missing link between 1985 and 2024,” said Michael.
"The new single, 'The Widow's Web,' takes listeners on a journey back to the original 80s soundtrack AOR soundscape that ignited the project with the debut album in 2016,” he added. “With its mysterious femme fatale and a detective hot on her heels, the song plunges you into the heart of the action.”
Inspired by genre-defining icons such as Aviator, FM and Dare alongside contemporaries Chez Kane and Crazy Lixx, Michael Palace meticulously rebuilt the Palace sound from the ground up, returning to the true origins and inspiration of the project. Reckless Heart is an essential cornerstone in any AOR and melodic rock aficionado's collection.
Michael Palace embarked on his journey with Frontiers as a songwriter and guitarist for various projects such as First Signal, Cry Of Dawn, Toby Hitchcock and Kryptonite. These successful collaborations paved the way for a deal with Frontiers, enabling Michael to deliver songs aligned with his vision under the name Palace. Reckless Heart marks the fifth release, maintaining a bi-annual album release schedule since 2016. Recently, Michael has produced albums for Kent Hilli and Nevena and done work across diverse genres while taking on various roles such as a songwriter, musician, producer, and engineer.
Embracing a hands-on approach, Michael has written all of the songs, played all instruments, produced, mixed and mastered the new album. Reckless Heart stands as a testament to his ongoing musical evolution, inviting fans of Master Of The Universe, Binary Music, Rock and Roll Radio, and One 4 The Road to plunge into the captivating world of AOR and the iconic soundscape of the 1980s.
Tracklisting:
"Reckless Heart"
"The Widow’s Web"
"Back In Your Arms"
"Girl Is An Angel"
"You Give Me A Reason To Live"
"Back To ‘85"
"For The Love"
"Turn This Car Around"
"Weightless"
"Move Me"
"Stronger By The Day"
Heavy metal legend, Thor, has just returned from his triumphant North American tour to promote the new album, Ride Of The Iron Horse, available via Cleopatra Records. Every city was one big party celebrating the 50th anniversary of Thor with packed houses and the fans expressing their love of each song by singing along loud and proud.
One of the most exciting shows was at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California where Thor, aka Jon Mikl Thor, was able to have his full stage setup with giant dogs and large Viking horns at each side of the stage.
Says Thor about the new video, “5-0 Let’s Go”: “The song is my ultimate 50th anniversary celebration anthem for surviving through five decades of rock n rRoll mayhem.”
The new video shows highlights of various Thor concerts from his comeback in the 1990’s to the recent Ride Of The Iron Horse tour. The new video also introduces Thor's appearances at the BC Sports Hall of Fame Induction Week, to be held at BC Place Stadium. The song was recorded in Vancouver and Calgary. Produced by Kevin Stuart Swain who also played guitar and bass. Lisa Freakrock played drums.
Jon Mikl Thor who owned the trademark rights to the 1915 Stanley Cup Champions Vancouver Millionaires, and sold them to the Vancouver Canucks and NHL, now controls the rights to the Vancouver Amazons 1922 Women’s World Hockey Champions. On May 15, he will be appearing at the VIP Induction into the Hall of Fame of the Vancouver Amazons 1922 Women’s World Hockey Champions. On that same date Jon will be launching his new line of Vancouver Amazons apparel.
On May 16 Thor will be dining at the Banquet Of Champions to be held at the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. He and his wife, designer Katherine Elo, will be sitting at the same table as descendants of the 1922 Vancouver Amazons team.
Currently Jon has three more video productions in the works for the current album and soon to be announced upcoming appearances.
Ride Of The Iron Horse was released on March 22 on both CD and vinyl. In a nod to the vibrant visuals that have always accompanied Thor’s music, the album features original art design by internationally renowned comic book artist Timo Wuerz. With his dynamic illustrations, Wuerz captures the essence of Thor’s larger-than-life persona, bringing a visual dimension to the sonic onslaught.
Buy the CD/vinyl here; order/save the digital here.
Tracklisting:
"Ride Of The Iron Horse"
"Lightning Rod" feat. KHEMI$T
"5-0 Let's Go"
"Peace By Piece"
"Unlock The Power"
"No Time For Games"
"Bring It On"
"Flight Of The Striker" (Unreleased 1987)
"Had It Been Another Day" (Unreleased 1986)
"Watch Your Back" (Unreleased 2002)
"Hit And Run" (1979 Demo)
"100%" (1979 Demo)
"Shields Up"
Bonus tracks:
"Thunder On The Mountain" (Unreleased 1979)
"To The Extreme" (Unreleased 1999)
Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta & company are back with a brand new Jasta music video for the song "Suicidality”, which features special guest Phil Demmel (Vio-lence). The song is taken from the upcoming And Jasta For All album, which will arrive digitally on May 17. The clip, which was shot by Alex Zaranak, can be found below. The video was filmed at The Rave / Eagles Club during Milwaukee Metal Fest in 2023.
The album is "All Rippers No Skippers" and features guest appearances from Scott Ian (Anthrax), Chuck Billy (Testament), Zetro (Exodus), Joey Concepcion (Arch Enemy) and Phil Demmel.
Jamey Jasta comments on the story behind Jasta, "Fan funded, four years in the making, got to work with my thrash heroes and couldn’t be happier with this album, it’s ALL RIPPERS, NO SKIPPERS! Play loud it!"
And Jasta For All guitarist Charlie Bellmore (Toxic Holocaust, Dee Snider, Many Eyes) adds, "Jamey asked me to write “a few thrash songs” quite a while ago and over the years they slowly grew into a remarkable love letter to thrash metal. Jamey, Nicky and myself busted our butts to make a serious ripper of an album, and Jamey delivered some of his best vocal performances of his career on this. I can’t wait for everyone to crank this up!!!"
Pre-orders can be placed at this location. Use code AJFA.
The artwork, an obvious tribute to Metallica's ...And Justice For All, was created by Dan Goldsworthy.
Tracklisting:
"They See Us Prey"
"Armor Your Mind"
"Create The Now"
"R.M.P.C."
"Suicidality"
"Assimilation Agenda"
"Ring Of Truth"
"Terminal Lucidity"
"No Dream Is Free"
"The Phoenix Way"
"Assimilation Agenda" visualizer:
Jasta will be performing a series of album release shows, which will kick off at the official Milwaukee Metal Fest Pre-Party on May 16 at The Rave/Eagles Club and will feature special guests Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Steve "Zetro Souza" (Exodus), Bobby Hambel (Biohazard), Hoya Roc (Smoke AD, ex-Madball), and more surprises. Milwaukee Metal Festival pass holders will be given access to the pre-party in addition to all three days, while single tickets are available for those who are not attending the full festival.
Release shows:
May
16 - Milwaukee, WI - Milwaukee Metal Festival Pre-Party
31 - Lititz, PA - Mickey's Black Bx (w/ Overkill)
June
1 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland Ballroom (w/ Overkill)
Emerging West Australian outfit, Ammify, has announced that they have signed with Italy-based metal label, Wormholedeath, who will oversee global marketing and digital distribution for their forthcoming debut album, Lost, Not Hiding.
Featuring the musical pairing of Ammy Phoenix (vocals/lyrics) and Pete Renzullo (music/production) Lost, Not Hiding makes its way through the heavier genres. Still, the duo has themselves described it best as CineMetal.
"I am so excited that Wormholedeath is taking us on as a band!" says Ammy. "I have never been more proud of any project as I am of Ammify, and I am so happy that thanks to Wormholedeath, we get to put it out for people to hear. There's nothing quite like being able to share a piece of yourself like this and I really hope it makes people feel understood in a way they really need to be."
The cinematic lyrics and crushing soundscapes of Lost, Not Hiding speak like a song cycle of those who have been beaten down by life, by love, by relationships and by society… but not broken. And clearly resolute.
Check out the official video for the first single, "Coward's Way Out", below.
Born from a chance studio encounter and remote collaboration, the album explores resilience in despair. The creative journey began in 2018 and culminated in a four-month recording process in 2022, resulting in 13 genre-defying tracks. Drawing from personal experiences, the lyrics offer raw authenticity.
Post-release, Ammify plans to venture into videos, mixed media, and acoustic renditions for a dynamic audience experience. Their collaboration promises a lasting impact on music.
Lost, Not Hiding will released internationally by Wormholedeath on June 14th, 2024.
New Zealand's rock powerhouse Black Smoke Trigger has uploaded an in-studio performance video of their latest single. "K.M.T.L." Have a look at how the band recorded the song.
“K.M.T.L.” speaks to the relentless drive and sometimes dizzying pursuit of making dreams a reality. Partly written at Nashville's historic Sienna Studio and recorded by producer Nick Raskulinecz at his Rock Falcon Studio, the band channelled the grit and determination required to achieve success against the odds into their latest offering. The track sprang to life in the jam room, the initial riff playing out almost as if by instinct.
Guitarist and band leader Charlie Wallace recounts, "‘K.M.T.L.’ began in the jam room, I was talking to the band I noticed my hands were playing the beginning motif of the song, I just kept playing it and we started jamming. It felt like it was building to something so we wanted to write a chorus with tons of energy and I think we got just that by the end of the jam session."
The music video for “K.M.T.L.” is an adrenaline-fueled, visual spectacle. "The opening line 'It all keeps spinning' was the inspiration for what was a highly energetic shoot on a circular camera dolly track," explains Wallace. Filmed on a massive theatre stage next to the Auckland SkyTower, the video features continuous rotation, mirroring the song's theme of pushing through the spin of life's challenges to come out victorious on the other side. "It's lit up like a big stage because we just wanted to show what people can expect when they see us play this track live."
Black Smoke Trigger continue to ride the high of their bombastic rock, anchored by the distinctive guitar work of Wallace and the commanding vocals of Baldrick combined with their pummelling rhythm section courtesy of bassist Dan Fulton, and drummer Josh Te Maro. Fast becoming known for not only churning out certified 10/10, arena ready rock bangers, Black Smoke Trigger are also quickly garnering a reputation for creating incendiary and often death defying music videos.
"K.M.T.L" follows the success of their previous singles "Proof Of Life", "Perfect Torture" and “The Way Down”, the video for which saw the band perform atop the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere whilst Wallace jumped off the edge, shredding a guitar solo whilst plummeting 630ft, clocking up over 1.3 million views on YouTube. The release sees Black Smoke Trigger continue to deliver on their promise of high-energy rock music that's both entertaining and deeply relatable.
Prior to this new string of singles, the band put out track “Caught In The Undertow”, the video for which was also a feat of extreme conditions. Filmed at Muriwai beach in Auckland, New Zealand and at a helicopter crash testing facility in a 3.6M deep pool, the whole band performed much of the song underwater creating a stunning visual that has clocked up 3.2 million YouTube views and highlighting the band’s dedication to creating unforgettable visual accompaniments for their hard-hitting rock anthems.
Black Smoke Trigger hit the road to support Bruce Dickinson in the UK, France, and the Netherlands this month. For full dates and tickets head to blacksmoketrigger.com.
For additional info, visit Black Smoke Trigger on Facebook.
The Georgia Thunderbolts have announced their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Rise Above It All, set for release on August 23rd via Mascot Records. Featuring the quintet's signature blend of Southern rock, blues, and heartfelt Americana, the 13-track album showcases the band's ability to navigate a vast array of musical terrains, while also capturing the profound emotional and artistic growth fostered by their years on the road. “When you cut back on being a tough guy, more emotions can come through, and you hear that on this record,” says TJ Lyle, lead vocals, harmonica, and keyboards. “This album travels all musical genres,” he adds.
To celebrate the announcement, the band released the album’s latest single, "Stand Up", accompanied by a music video directed by Jim Arbogast. The video captures the band in their element, performing this powerful track that combines slithering guitar riffs and soaring vocals with a Southern rock flair. "I believe this song is relatable to many. It was written with the mindset of overcoming an obstacle I was facing at the time. I hope the listeners can feel that. Perseverance, faith in yourself, and perspective is the key," says Lyle about the new single.
The road to being hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock hasn’t been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It wasn’t many years ago that the guys busked at gas stations, fumbled through covers, and drove four hours to Alabama to play to a bartender and a three-legged dog sitting on a barstool.
These days, however, the Rome, Georgia-based quintet is a critically acclaimed and internationally touring band fending off the sophomore slump with its latest release. The Georgia Thunderbolts are rounded out by Zach Everett, bass, classical guitar, harmony vocals; Bristol Perry, drums; Logan Tolbert, guitar; and Riley Couzzourt, guitar. The quintet’s earthy and emotive aesthetic spans late 1960s singer-songwriter intimacy, the yearning of the blues, the mythological stories of country, and a bracing dose of arena-ready classic hard rock.
“I was raised by my dad and my grandma. He loved 1980s rock, and my grandma loved classic country, like Hank Williams Jr., Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard,” Riley says. “As soon as TJ opens his mouth you know we’re from the South.”
Rise Above It All artwork and tracklisting:
"Gonna Shine"
"Rock And Roll Record"
"Rise Above It All"
"Moonlight Play"
"Ain't Got No Money"
"Wait"
"Crawling My Way Back To You"
"She's Gonna Get It"
"Little Jim"
"It Ain't Easy"
"Stand Up"
"Whiskey Talkin'"
"Pricetag"
Previously, The Georgia Thunderbolts released their debut album, Can We Get A Witness, smack in the middle of the pandemic. Despite not having the opportunity to tour, the album amassed over six million streams across digital platforms.
Raring out of lockdown, the guys made up for lost time, performing alongside a who’s who of rock icons. Select live performance highlights include sharing stages with: Black Stone Cherry, Deep Purple, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Allman Betts Band, Blackberry Smoke, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Steel Woods, and The Outlaws.
“We’ve learned a lot from our heroes. Playing with these bands made us better musicians,” TJ says. “Also, seeing the world opens up your perspective as a songwriter—you encounter people from all walks of life.”
However, the most transformative experience for the band has been the month back in 2022, The Georgia Thunderbolts spent touring Europe with Black Stone Cherry. None of them had been across the pond before, and it was the longest they had been away from home.
Playing historical European theaters and seeing firsthand how their music translated overseas was eye opening. “Hearing people sing our songs back to us felt like we were in the Twilight Zone. We never thought this was possible—it’s a long way from getting beer bottles thrown at us,” TJ says laughing. All the growth and maturation over the past two and half years can be heard on Rise Above It All. The 13-song collection is a flag-planting album, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter as The Georgia Thunderbolts continue to rise and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Catch The Georgia Thunderbolts live at the following shows:
May
25 - Coalfest 2024 - Brilliant, AL
June
1 - The Grove - Glasgow, KY
28 - Summer Concert Series - Denison, TX
July
5 - First Friday's - Rome, GA
26 - Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In - Dalton, GA (with The Kentucky Headhunters)
August
10 - Beaver Dam Amphitheater - Beaver Dam, KY (with Ace Frehley and Foghat)
Progressive death metal outfit, Dååth, today unveil their video for "Unwelcome Return". The track comes by way of the band's latest full-length (and first new studio output in fourteen years) The Deceivers, released last Friday via Metal Blade Records.
The Deceivers is at once a devastating reminder and giant leap forward that showcases the technical wizardry and brutal intensity that the Atlanta, Georgia-bred band is capable of. Band founder/guitarist Eyal Levi has overseen an overhaul of the lineup, though importantly Dååth still features force-of-nature vocalist Sean Zatorsky, who has fronted the band since 2007. Together they are now joined by Kerim "Krimh" Lechner on drums, Jesse Zuretti on orchestration and guitar, Rafael Trujillo on lead guitar, and David Marvuglio on bass.
"Now Dååth is more orchestrated, more over the top. We have more melodies and they're beautiful," Levi says. That's what The Deceivers is: Monstrously heavy but beautifully orchestrated, blessed with melodies that will haunt anybody fortunate enough to hear it. The nine tracks were produced by Levi, with Andrew Wade doing vocal production, John Douglass engineering, Jens Bogren mixing, and Tony Lindgren mastering.
Guest guitar solos are contributed across numerous tracks by Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy), Mark Holcomb (Periphery), Dean Lamb (Archspire), Per Nilsson, (Scar Symmetry, Meshuggah), Spiro Dussias (Platonist), and Dan Sugarman (Ice Nine Kills), with renowned video game composer Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal) contributing sound design and synth to "Purified By Vengeance".
Comments Zuretti on "Unwelcome Return": "What if Tim Burton's 1989 Batman were scored by an epic orchestral metal band and not Danny Elfman? You can find out by listening to 'Unwelcome Return' - a vigilante track that lives in darkness, punishes offenders, and disappears into the night. It's the sound of gothic era classical music fused at the lungs with furious vocals, pummeling drums, razor sharp guitar riffs, infernal orchestral composing, and wicked sound design. If someone tried stopping this track from playing, 'Unwelcome Return' would eviscerate anything standing in its way."
Watch Dååth's "Unwelcome Return" video, directed by Gaui H Pi, below:
The Deceivers is available on CD and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:
- Mineral (US - Ltd. 300)
- Transparent Blood Red Base w/ Opaque Black Smoke + Heavy White Splatter (US - Ltd. 200/EU - Ltd. 500)
"No Rest No End"
"Hex Unending"
"Ascension"
"With Ill Desire"
"The Silent Foray"
"Unwelcome Return"
"Purified by Vengeance"
"Deserving of the Grave"
"Into Forgotten Dirt"
"Ascension" video:
"Hex Unending" video:
"No Rest No End":
Dååth began their journey in 1999 and stayed busy for just over a decade before its 2011 hiatus. In that time, the band released four studio albums - Futility in 2004, The Hinderers in 2007, The Concealers in 2009, and their self-titled LP in 2010. Tours with Cattle Decapitation, Dark Funeral, Cynic, Nile, Slayer, Dragonforce, Goatwhore, Chimaira, Dying Fetus, and Devildriver followed. Dååth also landed a coveted spot on Ozzfest playing before tens of thousands of fans in outdoor amphitheaters across the US, in addition to the infamous and long-running metal tour Summer Slaughter.
After twelve years on hiatus, Dååth found their ideal new home at Metal Blade, signing to the label and wasting no time creating new music, cover songs (Death's "The Philosopher" and Morbid Angel's "Where the Slime Live") and reissuing previous albums. The first new song from the revitalized Dååth, "No Rest No End" (released ahead of the album in February 2023), features guest solos by Spiro Dussias and now-Dååth member Trujillo, who impressed Levi so much while guesting on the track that he was invited to join the band.
Dååth lineup:
Eyal Levi - guitar
Sean Z - vocals
Krimh - drums
Jesse Zuretti - orchestration, synth, guitar
Rafael Trujillo - lead guitar
Davis Marvuglio - bass
VENDED, the band fronted by Griffin Taylor, the 21-year-old son of SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor, has released a new single, "Nihilism". The song was produced by Chris Collier, while accompanying music video was directed by Derek Rathbun.
VENDED's lineup is completed by Simon Crahan (son of SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan) on drums, Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar, Jeremiah Pugh on bass and Cole Espeland on lead guitar.
VENDED said: "This song represents the momentum for what's to come, continuing with the energy from our last single. It brings that same energy and pushes the limit even more. The whole meaning of the track is to not fear what doesn't really matter, so do what YOU want and not what you think will hold you back."
Two months ago, VENDED released the official music video for the previous single "The Far Side". At the time, VENDED said that the track "represents a new era of the band; a new level of aggression and rawness. It was recorded live in the studio, nothing but raw power and pure energy in the room. It fully encapsulates the intensity you would hear in a live setting. Whether you're seeing us in a club or an arena, the energy you hear live was put directly into this record."
In an interview with Andy Hall of the Des Moines, Iowa radio station Lazer 103.3, Corey spoke about Griffin's work with VENDED, saying: "I cannot tell you how proud I am of that boy. And, of course, being a typical Taylor, on one hand I'm super proud of him, but I still can't get him to clean anything, dude; he's just such a nightmare.
"The funny thing is you and I were talking the day after he was born. And I keep going back to that night, going, 'What's he gonna be? Who's he gonna be in life?' And now [21] years later, , and he is this crazy metal pirate, just like I was," Corey continued. "And I'm just, like, 'Oh, I failed as a father. What did I do?' I kept trying to push him to be anything other than what I do. And, yeah, dude, he's crushing.
"I've heard the new stuff that he just recorded with [producer] Chris Collier, and it is so good," Corey added. "VENDED, their new stuff is so rad. Not only Griffin, man, but Simon's [Crahan] drumming sounds incredible. All of the guys — Cole [Espeland] and Grod [Connor Grodzicki] sound great [on guitar]. The guitars have just gone above and beyond. J.J.'s [Jeremiah Pugh] crushing it on bass. I'm really, really proud of those guys, man. And then to be able to watch my boy get out there and just be himself and crush. It's so easy for him, and it just makes me angry. Because he's got all the great stuff that I never had when I was… He can wear anything. It's just criminal. I'm just, like, 'You don't know how good you've got it, kid. The carbs haven't caught you yet.'"
VENDED's five-track debut EP, "What Is It / Kill It", arrived at DSPs in November 2021. The collection was recorded with Griffin Landa of THE ACACIA STRAIN. The two singles bookended VENDED's first U.S. headline tour, after which the band went on to open the day's proceedings at the huge Knotfest Los Angeles show at the Banc Of California Stadium, playing alongside SLIPKNOT, BRING ME THE HORIZON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, FEVER 333, CODE ORANGE and CHERRY BOMBS.
Formed in February of 2018 in Des Moines, Iowa, VENDED had its first mainstream exposure in 2020 when they performed as part of Knotfest.com's virtual "Pulse Of The Maggots" festival.
VENDED played its first headlining show in March 2020 at the iconic local club Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, Iowa.
Griffin, who looks a lot like his father, previously showcased his skills when he joined Corey onstage during STONE SOUR shows in 2017 and 2018. He's also played cover tunes with Simon Crahan, while Clown's daughter Alexandria Crahan-Conway has snapped some of VENDED's previous press pics.
Kelly Clarkson covered METALLICA's "Sad But True" for the "Kellyoke" segment on today's episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show".
The "American Idol" winner's piano-ballad version of the METALLICA classic came three months after actress Isla Fisher appeared on Clarkson's talk show and convinced Kelly to cover the iconic metal band for a future segment. "You should do 'Sad But True'. Your voice would be amazing," Fisher said at the time.
Clarkson is one of the most popular artists of this era with total worldwide sales of more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles. The Texas-born singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of "American Idol". Clarkson's debut single, "A Moment Like This", followed and quickly went to No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, ultimately ranking as the year's best-selling single in the U.S. Further, Clarkson is one of pop's top singles artists, with 17 singles boasting multi-platinum, platinum and gold certifications around the world, including such global favorites as "Miss Independent" and "Because Of You".
Clarkson was recently honored with the 2,733rd star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame and is the recipient of an array of awards, including three consecutive Daytime Emmy Awards for "Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host" for "The Kelly Clarkson Show", three Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, one MTV Movie & TV Award, two Academy Of Country Music Awards, two American Country Awards and one Country Music Assn. Award. She is also the first artist to top each of Billboard's pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts.
EPICA singer Simone Simons will release her debut solo album, "Vermillion", on August 23. The LP's first single, "Aeterna", which was co-written by Dutch songwriter, singer, musician and record producer Arjen Lucassen (AYREON),will make its online debut on Tuesday, May 7 at 9:00 a.m. PDT / 12:00 p.m. (noon) EDT.
Earlier today, Simone took to her social media to share a teaser for the "Aeterna" music video, and she wrote in an accompanying message: "May 7th everything will turn RED. At 18.00 CEST my first single AETERNA will go live.
"@ayreon_official and I created some masterful melodies for you! We will go live on Instagram tomorrow at 18.30 to hang with you all and let you in on all the details of my solo album."
For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, Simone has been spearheading the world of female fronted metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the EPICA lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, Simons finally found the time to release her first solo album, "Vermillion", showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.
Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen. Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. And while many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, Simone remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses and monumental, intelligent music.
"Vermillion" track listing:
01. Aeterna
02. In Love We Rust
03. Cradle To The Grave (feat. Alissa White-Gluz)
04. Fight Or Flight
05. Weight Of My World
06. Vermillion Dreams
07. The Core
08. Dystopia
09. R.E.D.
10. Dark Night Of The Soul
This past March, Simone told Mexico's Summa Inferno that EPICA's follow-up to 2021's "Omega" album will likely be released in 2025.
"I love the songs so far that we've written," Simone said. "There's more [songs that have been written] than fit on the album. So it's gonna be cool. And we won't tour that much this year. So we are focusing on the EPICA album and the 'Symphonic Synergy' shows [where EPICA will play alongside an orchestra], which is a lot of work."
In November 2022, EPICA released "The Alchemy Project" through Atomic Fire Records. The EP was co-written and performed with diverse guests ranging from extremists like FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, Niilo Sevänen (INSOMNIUM) and Björn "Speed" Strid (SOILWORK) along with melodic masters like Tommy Karevik (KAMELOT),keyboard legend Phil Lanzon (URIAH HEEP) and Roel Van Helden (POWERWOLF) to a once-in-a-lifetime song with Simons, Charlotte Wessels and Myrkur.
Just one day after the release of its anniversary reissues "We Still Take You With Us" and "Live At Paradiso", EPICA celebrated 20 years of existence live in September 2022 at 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands, the same place where they played their first show (supporting ANATHEMA) back in 2002.
EPICA was formed by guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen after leaving AFTER FOREVER in 2002, and the band quickly gained attention outside their home country, taking big steps towards becoming the leading symphonic metal superpower they have long proven to be. After their ambitious debut "The Phantom Agony" (2002) and the surprisingly eclectic sophomore work "Consign To Oblivion" (2005),the road took them to new heights via their first concept masterpiece "The Divine Conspiracy" (2007) and their global breakthrough "Design Your Universe" (2009). 2012's opus "Requiem For The Indifferent", 2014's bedazzling "The Quantum Enigma" and "The Holographic Principle" (2016),cemented their reputation as not only one of the hardest-working metal bands in the business but also as one of the best. With "Omega", the final part of the metaphysical trilogy they began with "The Quantum Enigma", they reclaimed the throne without so much as the blink of an eye, amassing three million-plus streams during the first week of the album's release.
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